DP World to Develop Rail-Centric Logistics Hub in Madhya Pradesh, Linking Central India to JNPA

By Admin

23 Jan, 2026

Dubai-based global logistics major DP World has signed an agreement with the Government of Madhya Pradesh to develop a new rail-centric logistics hub at Powarkheda. The project is set to transform central India’s access to global trade by directly connecting the region to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai.

The agreement was exchanged on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, in the presence of DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Strengthening central India’s global connectivity
The Powarkheda logistics hub is designed to function as a rail-based inland gateway that directly links central India to international markets. Strategically located, the hub will serve key districts such as Dhar, Indore and Raisen, which lie along major central rail corridors and host a mix of manufacturing and agricultural clusters. This connectivity is expected to significantly improve export-import efficiency for businesses operating in the region.

Rail-centric infrastructure and integrated facilities
Spread across 88.3 acres, the hub will offer containerised rail connectivity to JNPA, enabling faster, more reliable cargo movement compared to traditional road transport. Alongside international rail services, the facility will also provide domestic container rail connectivity linking Madhya Pradesh to major consumption centres across India. Integrated warehousing and cold storage infrastructure will support both industrial goods and perishable agricultural produce, strengthening multimodal logistics capabilities.

Supporting multiple sectors and regional growth
According to DP World, the Powarkheda Hub will cater to a wide range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, aluminium and agri-commodities. By bringing logistics services closer to production centres, the hub aims to support farmers, MSMEs and large manufacturers alike. Reduced logistics costs and improved supply chain efficiency are expected to enhance competitiveness for regional businesses in both domestic and global markets.

Faster transit and sustainable logistics
DP World estimates that the new hub will deliver a 30–40 per cent reduction in transit time to JNPA compared to road-based transport. The increased shift towards rail is also expected to improve service reliability, reduce carbon emissions and ease road congestion. These benefits align closely with India’s broader goals of building a more sustainable, efficient and environmentally responsible logistics ecosystem.

Expanding DP World’s inland logistics footprint
With the Powarkheda project, DP World continues to strengthen its inland logistics presence in India. The initiative reinforces the company’s strategy of developing end-to-end supply chain solutions that directly connect production centres with global trade gateways, positioning inland regions like central India as integral players in international commerce.